From grandma's Kitchen....cowboy butter

  So Cowboy Butter isn't something you were likely to find  Grandmas kitchen, way back then. Well may-be if she was a creative cook or grandma was trying to get a picky eater to eat  more nutritious foods by slathering them with butter.  Flavored butter was not unheard of then, but more about that later.  This is definitely  not an old family recipe, but it is a tasty one.   .  Both of my Grandmothers made butter and there was always real, homemade butter on the table.   I have memories of butter flavored with maple syrup, Karo, cinnamon, dill, and black pepper.  Each flavor had it's use.  Each flavor went with specific foods, black pepper with radishes, maple with flapjacks, dill with potatoes.  You get the idea.
Oh and this is based on an article, "from Southern Living" i think, they always have such good recipes! that was sent to me asking if i had ever heard of flavored butter....Yes, I have!   But you knew/guessed that.

 What Is Cowboy Butter?Cowboy Butter is a type of compound butter, which is a mixture of herbs, spices, and butter, formed into a roll and then sliced.Cowboy butter can also be melted and mixed with all these ingredients for a dip. However, mixing it with butter and forming it into a log makes it easier to make ahead and have this flavorful butter ready for dinner.It's the perfect pairing for a grilled ribeye steak, roasted potatoes, or roast beef sliders. But we wouldn't be opposed to eating a smear on baguette or fresh radishes.

Ingredients in Cowboy Butter

Our recipe for cowboy butter calls for butter, garlic, parsley, chives, smoked paprika, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper.

If you want a little more heat, use cayenne in place of the crushed red pepper. Coarse mustard provides a stronger flavor and texture in place of Dijon.

Once you make cowboy butter for the first time, you can mix and match the other ingredients to create one you and your family love. Compound butters are very forgiving and great for creativity. They're also a fun way to use up surplus herbs and spices in a unique way.

Credit: 

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Temperature Tip

Though this recipe is super simple, it’s easiest to make when the butter is at room temperature, so plan ahead a bit and leave your butter on the counter for about an hour (depending on your home's heat).

How To Serve Cowboy Butter

You can use it to top grilled steaks, chicken, fish fillets, and vegetables. Cowboy Butter also makes a fantastic garlic bread spread, or melt it for a dip.

Consider using it in sliders like these French Dip Sliders for a certain special something on a classic appetizer. It would be fantastic spread on a hamburger, too.

Can I Make Cowboy Butter Ahead of Time? 

You can keep it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for 6 months.

Can You Freeze Butter?,  Yes, it freezes pretty well, but must, MUST, MUST!!! be securely wrapped so it doesn't  get freezer burnt or pick up any off flavors.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (4 oz.) unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives

• 1 tsp. smoked paprika

• 1 tsp. lemon zest, from 1 lemon

• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard

• Pinch crushed red pepper

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Directions

1. Stir the butter and other ingredients together:

   In a bowl, add the butter, garlic, parsley, chives, paprika, lemon zest, mustard, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

   

   Credit: 

   Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

   Mix together with a spatula or wooden spoon until well combined.

   

   Credit: 

   Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

   You can also prepare this in a stand mixer or food processor.

2. Shape and chill:

   Transfer the butter mixture to a large sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper.

   

   Credit: 

   Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

   Roll the butter into a log shape, pressing and shaping as you go. Twist the ends of the wrap or paper together (like a piece of candy) until very taut and uniform in shape.

   

   Credit: 

   Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

   Refrigerate the butter for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the shape to hold.

   

   Credit: 

   Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

3. Get ready to use:To use, remove the butter from the refrigerator, and cut it into slices. Top grilled meats and seafood, steamed vegetables or grains, or spread onto bread and broil.  

    Enjoy!

    

    

 

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